Quote:
Originally Posted by TrudyM
If I could go back in time I would.
When you make investment decisions you have to make assumptions.
The biggest I made was that tax rates (brackets and rules) in retirement would be the same as they were when I was working. Now it looks like tax rates will be going up in retirement so all those tax deferred dollars will be taxed at a higher rate than they would have been.
Second mistake- when Roth Iras came about and later the options of Roth 401K's I didn't focus on what they were. Everybody said ok it is after tax dollars invested but I missed the gains and income building in the account would also be tax exempt on withdrawal. Didn't focus- like so many others including my husband busy working only skimmed the notices when the options came up. When I think of how much went into our 401Ks since 1998 and what they are at now I just feel dumb that I didn't change over to Roths when I could.
Advice to all our kids, do the Roth 401k if it's available, tax rates are headed up (IMHO)and tax free growth is a no brainer.
Don't be dumb like I was.  |
Without getting into your specific situation, you should look into converting your trditional IRA into a Roth. Depending on your ages and tax bracket,it may make sense. You can convert just portion each year, pay taxes on the amount you convert.Talk to a tax advisor.